2017-2018 Orientation Information

Volunteer Application

We always need volunteers at Pegasus.

Each rider requires two side walkers, one on each side of the horse holding the rider and a third person leading the horse. That's three people for each person on an equine.
Each riding session is 30 minutes long and we like to rotate our volunteers in and out of the riding ring. So if you are in good physical shape and want to spend 1 , 2, 3, or 4
days a week working with horses, special needs adults and children call us or e-mail our Volunteer Coordinator Kevin Marshall at:

Volunteer Orientation / Training Agenda

Welcome… To all who are passionate about serving those with special needs and disabilities of all ages, starting at 3 yrs to 93 yrs of age and have a respect and love for horses.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, thanks you for your time and help to improve the quality of life for our riders. This program has provided positive life changing experiences for many of our riders and your volunteerism helps to make this possible. Volunteers are the backbone of our program and without you, there is no program.

We require all of our volunteers with beginners and advanced experience to complete orientation and training sessions to ensure first and foremost safety for the volunteers, riders, staff and horses. It also empowers you with knowledge that will give you self confidence which will reflect when working with our riders and horses.

Information & Safety Guidelines

UNDERSTANDING THERAPEUTIC HORSE BACK RIDING AND BENEFITS

What is therapeutic riding? American Heritage Dictionary defines "THERAPUETIC" as "having healing or curative powers; gradually or methodically ameliorative". With the rider on horse back the riders receive range of motion (ROM) exercise which helps promote the body's circulation and helps to stretch and to tone the muscles.

BENEFITS: The benefits are physical and emotional. Here are few of the benefits:

Self Confidence

Self Esteem

Social Skills

Posture

Hand and Eye Coordination

Digestive System

Focus and Concentration

Posture

Balance

Motor Skills

Speech / Vocal Skills

Muscle Strengthening and Toning

SAFTEY / MEDICAL FIRST AID / EMEGENCY PROCEDURES:

Safety is our number one priority so please see Pegasus Rules and Regulations for detailed information

Familiarize yourself with the location of all first aid kits and fire extinguishers

Read Pegasus Volunteer Hand Book and Policies and Procedures

All safety steps are in place for a reason and we ask that all volunteers help each other to ensure they are being followed.

NEVER give a rider any food or drink unless authorized by the care giver

In the event of an emergency get the Program Director or Instructor immediately!

Details for all of the above are in the handbook and procedures manuals

Qualifications

If you have never worked with horses or with individuals living with disabilities, that's okay. You do not need previous experience.
As long as you have the time, patience, compassion and a love for people and animals you will enjoy this life changing experience.
We will teach you all that you need to know to work comfortably with the riders and horses.
All of our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and are different shapes and sizes, skills, talents and everyone has a place here at Pegasus.

"C" ommitment- To provide high quality serve to our riders/clients"A" ttitude – To reflect a caring, concerned, compassionate and POSITIVE ATTITUDE"R" espect – To reflect dignity and consideration for those we serve and co-volunteers"E" nthusiasm – for the program, encouraging our riders to, SOAR ABOVE THEIR LIMITATIONS!

All Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application

Minimum age of 16 years to volunteer with parental consent release or older

Responsibilities

To ensure a safe and comfortable lesson for our riders

Safety is our number one priority, follow all rules and regulations

Read the volunteer handbook and polices

Help the rider follow directions from instructor

Comply with dress code

Complete orientation and training a MUST before you can work the program

Opportunities

Sidewalker:

Is a person who walks beside the horse with a mounted rider with one arm gently across the riders thigh.
This person keeps the rider safe and balanced and helps rider follow the therapy program.

Horse Leader:

A leader is a volunteer with a minimum of 2 years experience with horses and has volunteered at Pegasus for at least one full year.
Any exceptions are at the program director's discretion. The primary responsibility of the horse leader is to control the horse during lessons.
To safely guide the horse, rider and sidewalkers around the arena. New leaders are on a Trial / Evaluation basis to ensure a good fit based on program needs.

Ramada & Arena Assists:

Assist Directors and Instructors, help prepare the riders for therapy and assist with game skills in the arena.

To Experience the Greatest Gift to Yourself

...giving to others and seeing the love, joy and smiles on the faces of the children and adults. To see the progress of the riders and enjoy the bonds that you make with the riders and the horses.

What Days Are You Available?

Classes are Wednesday through Saturday, starting usually at 8:30 am continuing until 12:30 pm. Times may vary from day to day. The riding season runs October through May.

The Marines Lend a Hand at Riding Academy

Coachella Valley Middle and High School Honor Student Volunteers Program Director

Students from the valley's schools volunteer at our events. Pegasus provides letters of community service for their college applications. Pictured here are students from Palm Desert, Cathedral City and La Quinta High Schools, Honor Society and Kiwanis Sponsored Key Clubs.

ABC Recovery Center, Indio

Coachella Valley Middle and High School Honor Student Volunteers

Students from the valley's schools volunteer at our events. Pegasus provides
letters of community service for their college applications. Pictured here are
students from Palm Desert, Cathedral City and La Quinta High Schools, Honor Society
and Kiwanis Sponsored Key Clubs.